James "Jim" Edward Melton

James "Jim" Edward Melton, of Live Oak, CA, passed away on February 4, 2018, at Rideout Hospital at the age of 87. His parents were Roy and Ruby Bagley. He was born in Porterville, CA., on November 30, 1930. Jim was raised and went to school in Meridian, CA, where he met his wife Clarita Hensen. Jim and Clarita were married for 68 years. Jim enlisted in the Army and became a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne and was discharged after serving 2 years. He became a heavy equipment operator with Operating Engineers Local #3 for 64 years. He worked on numerous dams including Oroville, Pine Flat, Lake Berryessa and Trinity. Jim enjoyed working, camping, hunting and fishing with his family and friends. He was always there to help anyone with anything at any time. One of his favorite things was taking trips. Jim is survived by his wife Clarita, daughter, Carol Estrada (Morrie); son, Allan Melton (Joy); brother, Donald Bagley; daughter-in-law, Karen Melton; four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Ruby Bagley; son, Edward Melton; grandson, Barron Melton; brother, Clint Bagley; and stepsister, Denny Midgley. Visitation will be at Ullrey Memorial Chapel on Monday, February 12, 2018, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Services will be held on Tuesday, February 13, 2018 at 1:00 PM at the Live Oak Cemetery